An Engagement

<-- me sitting in bedroom having a mope

In your chest you feel a flutter, just a small hiccup of movement, but soon your body is once more suffused with warm serenity and the scent of honey; the presence of His Golden Heart tangible once more.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues glances about alertly, her antennae twitching as she scans the immediate area.

Mandibles twitching, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "Ah - awake??"

You have emoted: Gurashi says nothing, wringing their smaller set of hands together and staring at the window opposite their bed.

You think to yourself: .... is back ....

You think to yourself: ... talks ....

For a moment, bright vermilion hues paint the surroundings, giving the illusion of everything being aflame. Shortly thereafter, a passing cloud obscures the sun and everything is dark once more.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues tilts her head curiously.

With some trepidation, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, ".... are you feeling better?"

You think to yourself: .... they want to have the talks ....

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues's mandibles twitch slightly as she voices a brief, curious chirr.

Waving her hand slowly back and forth, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "....hellooooo."

You think to yourself: ... say hi - should say hi ....

(Veiled): You say, "Mmmany greetings, Beloved."

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues's mandibles twitch slightly as she voices a brief, curious chirr.

(Veiled): Lenara (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Good afternoon, Beloved Gurashi!"

(Veiled): Aschwar says, "Hello, Beloveds."

(Veiled): Naralis (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Hare Mysrai, Beloved Gurashi."

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues reaches out, gently flicking Gurashi's left antennae. The other kephera jumps at this finally, smaller hands flailing.

You narrow your eyes at an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues, canting your head and peering at her suspiciously.

(Veiled): Naralis (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Hare Mysrai, Beloved Aschwar."

(Veiled): You say, "...uhm... Would, anybody like a cookie today?"

You fidget impatiently.

(Veiled): Lenara (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "I always love cookies!"

Peering suspiciously, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, ".... you having a Visitor? Or..."

You shake your head.

(Veiled): Naralis (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "I would love one. Thank you!"

(Veiled): You say, "O-K. Sending dirigibles because Bizi is having a rest."

(Veiled): Aschwar says, "Oh, no thank you. I am eating my chests nuts and waiting for my engagement."

(Veiled): You say, "...engagement?"

You fidget impatiently.

(Veiled): Aschwar says, "'s what the Shofets calls it. When you are waiting for someone to come and visit you that you have asked."

(Veiled): You say, "Oh - that is right."

(Veiled): Aschwar says, "Said it was very much like a tryst, but not the same at all."

(Veiled): You say, "I do ...not know what a tryst is."

(Veiled): You say, "Is it like a conference....?"

(Veiled): Aschwar says, "I do not know!"

(Veiled): Naralis (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "Very much appreciated, Beloved Gurashi."

(Veiled): Lenara (from the Prime Material Plane) says, "What a nice cookie!"

Covering her face with one hand, an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues says, "Oh my Gods."

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues gives a pained sigh.

(Veiled): You say, "Ah! A-am sorry."

You think to yourself: ... waiting for who - they wanted to talk to me - are waiting for me?

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, lightly touching their torso questioningly.

(Veiled): You say, "You are waiting for one of the Beloved, yes?"

You think to yourself: ...*a swirl of blue-gray*.

(Veiled): Aschwar says, "Yes! I sent a singy fox."

(Veiled): You say, "Ah - do not think they will keep... you waiting much longer at all, no."

(Veiled): Aschwar says, "...or maybe was...a flutterby? I have sent lots of singy papers."

You have emoted: Gurashi rises finally from the bed, sighing softly.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues creases her brow in a frown.

Reassuringly, you say to an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues, "...you can stay - is O-K. Know, gives the weird feelies."

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues opens her mouth as if to say something, but pauses.

You pat an imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues in a friendly manner.

You get up off a bed strewn with cushions and blankets.

An imposing kepheran princess of deep iridescent hues creases her brow in a frown.

You open the oak door to the northeast.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "I will be home very soon, yes."

<-- walkies

The villa's cozy living hall.
Mahogany wood panels the walls of this living space, wide windows overlooking the surrounding grounds where distant flowering orchards, enormous monoliths and palm-bordered oases can be viewed. In one corner of the hall resides a simple kitchen furnished with a clay range and oven in addition to intricately-carved floor cabinets and ceramic-bearing hutches depicting various fruit-bearing trees. Another corner of the hall features an easel displaying a half-finished painting, a nearby bench sporting a myriad of brushes and open jars of paint that threaten to spill upon the already-stained mats underfoot. A work table surrounded by large stools occupies another corner, though this space seems to be dedicated to wood carving if one is to judge by the assortment of chisels, knives and wood chips scattered around it. The final corner of the hall is closed off, a glimpse of a latrine visible through the open entryway. A wide, wooden spiral staircase with golden railings occupies the centre of the hall, leading to the atrium below while continuing upwards to meet a vast hatch concealing a higher room from view. Resting on a nearby counter, a jar of honeyed chestnuts is nearly a quarter empty.
You see exits leading north, up, and down.

Raising their voice slightly, you ask, ".... Aschwar?"

<-- walking around missing the one room they're in because i'm dummy

Faintly buzzing, you ask a lethargic, spindle-spined moth caterpillar, "Have you seen them, friend?"

A mahogany dining room with succulent-topped tea tables.
This grand room is dominated by an enormous mahogany table, the many chairs encircling it large enough to accommodate sizable individuals. The ceiling is lofty and the floor is a warm-hued wood, well-tended with chaotically-patterned rugs warming the feet at key locations around the room while potted dracaena and fig trees display their lavishly long leaves in every corner. Shelves along the many-windowed walls are filled with a range of knickknacks including framed flowers, small statuettes of wood and stone, vases painted with unusual imagery, jars of sand and, commanding attention, a giant dragon's tooth mounted upon a stand. At the southern end of the room rests a sitting area separated by standing screens decorated with poppies, cherry blossoms and long grasses that reveal several low tea tables and plush sitting-cushions occupying the area, potted succulents serving as centrepieces. The walls are of rich mahogany and at regular intervals are fitted with paper-backed wooden lattices constructed in pleasing geometric patterns, some of the rods weaving and winding in a manner which seems impossible to follow with the eye alone - a suitable complement to the distant vision of the Shifting City visible beyond the villa's walls through the open windows. Sitting at the head of the table, Aschwar sits here with a patient smile on their face.

You have emoted: Gurashi pokes their head in the doorway, letting out a little thrum as they spot Aschwar.

LOOK ASCHWAR
Radiant gold and inky black compete for prominence in the thick fur that covers this enormous tae'dae's body, the well-groomed hair shifting like fields of wheat and clouds through the night sky with each movement. Despite their thick limbs and eleven-and-a-half feet of height, an aura of well-being and contentment radiates off of their body, only enhanced by the gentle smile that is nearly always present on their muzzle. Glittering mis-matched eyes, one brown and one green, stare with a gentle warmth at the world around them, only inches below a pair of fuzzy ears with several notches missing from them. A brilliant red hieroglyph crackles in the centre of their forehead, flaring occasionally with small tendrils of red lightning. They are nicely dressed in a comfortable pair of deep grey trousers, held up by a burgundy belt of leather, and a three-layered tunic of bright red-violet cloth that fits them nearly perfectly. A hooded coat of striking vermillion hues hangs atop this, flower petals hand-sewn across its embroidery and circling the black star easily visible on their back. Light tan, a pair of strap boots are a stark contrast to their fur and have been decorated with little, hand-drawn moths.
Aschwar has an air of extreme strength.

You have emoted: Gurashi shrinks slightly in their spot, before bowing their head. "M.. many greetings."

Aschwar blinks suddenly looking up as though from a meditative stupour as they smile at you, indicating the feast of sweets and teas on the table before them. "Hello, Friend Gurashi. I hope I made enough stuffs."

You have emoted: Gurashi perks up slightly, tentatively stepping forward. "Oh. No - it looks... gosh." They chitter softly. "...you have gotten really good." They look at the tae'dae shyly, approaching the table and picking up a small dessert.

Without looking, you ask Aschwar, "Do like to cook?"

Aschwar rises briefly from their seat and moves to pull out the chair closest to them, allowing you a place to sit yourself before returning to their own seat. "No, not really. It is very messy and sticky and things people likes to eat get stuck in my fur. But everyone really likes food, and have some really good memories of cooking, so it is still fun enough."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Naralis arrives, following Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Savage Murderpup of Freedom.
Reko arrives, following Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Savage Murderpup of Freedom.

Lenara inclines her head politely to those around her.

Naralis gives Aschwar a respectful salute.

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Savage Murderpup of Freedom says, "Delivering one still-sleepy Knight."

Lenara's mouth turns up as her face breaks into a smile.

Aschwar raises a paw in friendly greeting, looking at the newcomers and saying, "Hello, there!"

You have emoted: Gurashi watches as the chair is offered to them, tentatively sinking to sit. They turn quickly to look at the door, letting out a quiet thrum.

Raising his hand in greeting, Reko says "Hi!"

Sir Naralis Siarani, Illuminated Knight says, "Greetings!"

Her voice kind and melodic, Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Savage Murderpup of Freedom says, "I will leave you all to it."

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks slowly, then raises their hand timidly in greeting.

Lenara nods her head emphatically.

Revelrous Reko m'Viraz says to Naralis, "Stay."

Reko leaves, following Boopable Caliph Lenara Lunarose, Savage Murderpup of Freedom.

Aschwar tilts their head curiously, watching the parade continue before asking, "Is everything okay?"

You stare blankly into space.

Sir Naralis Siarani, Illuminated Knight says, "I came in the case I was the one being summoned. I just came to make sure."

Aschwar wrinkles their nose, politely averting their gaze from Naralis' explicitly disgusting costumery. "Well, I think the Shofets has been looking for you, if you are..." They close their eyes, and you feel a brief fluttering of the link to the Thousandfold in your chest, at which point they ask, "Beloved Naralis?"

Sir Naralis Siarani, Illuminated Knight says, "I am, aye."

Aschwar nods their head and continues to busy themselves with a small eclair that they spin in their claws, looking anywhere but the towering pustules that loom before them. "Y-yes. Apparently the last time the Shofets tried to talk to you, you did not answer Him, and He was a little mad."

You have emoted: Gurashi takes the tart they had lifted before, quietly nibbling at it, resting their other three hands within their lap as they look away.

Sir Naralis Siarani, Illuminated Knight says, "Aye, that was completely my error. I accept any punishment deemed suitable."

Aschwar nods their head, and quietly instructs, "Because of you ignoring Him, and then also not doing the tasks that They had set to you when They were Shofets Shofets, you are supposed to advance as though you were never you, and had never been Their Knight. He also said if you were mean to call you by another name, but I think that would be very mean of me because it is not a nice name if I'm remembering His memories right."

You glance askance at Aschwar.

You think to yourself: * listening - swirling muted shades of curious green and blue *.

Sir Naralis Siarani, Illuminated Knight says, "Aye. I fully intend to do so. Re-eacquainting myself with the land has taken me a bit of time."

You look at Naralis, expression filled with concern as you frown.

A small haze of poppy blossoms manifest briefly around the tae'dae priest's head, filling the air with a seductive heat and an intoxicating aroma that quickly fades when the petals fall a moment later.

You have emoted: Gurashi sniffs suddenly, then looks quickly to Aschwar, mandibles clicking against their face twice.

Aschwar nods their head and says, "Shofets says that you should look for Missus Friend Beacon Shulamit, by the way. She is going to be having her very own cult, and that means that other parts of the temple had to go away. But Missus Friend Beacon Shulamit will need to be protected. So you should start looking there, if you want purposes."

Sir Naralis Siarani, Illuminated Knight says, "I shall."

You think to yourself: ... protected...?

Aschwar nods their head, and then ponders for a moment. "That lady who helped you find your way in? Can you tell her something for me?"

You think to yourself: *a wash of concern - danger? is in dangers...?*.

Sir Naralis Siarani, Illuminated Knight says, "Aye, of course."

Waving a paw through the air, Aschwar says, "The Saint was looking for her, to help plan a festival for the thieves. Something about orange day, and the Yu Ken Leeps. But she is currently talking with the Shofets, so it may be a day or three before the Saint is back at the monastery."

Sir Naralis Siarani, Illuminated Knight says, "I will be sure to deliver the message, Beloved Aschwar."

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks slowly.

You think to yourself: ... orange... day?

Aschwar nods their head and says, "I think that is it. You can stay for the tea and snacks if you like, but I am going to be apologising for being badly. So you may be confused."

You blink.

Sir Naralis Siarani, Illuminated Knight says, "Aye. I shall get to it then."

You blink.

Naralis gives Aschwar a respectful salute.

Naralis gives you a respectful salute.

Aschwar waves goodbye at Naralis.

Faintly buzzing, you say, "Oh - ah, uhm."

Naralis spreads his arms wide, and the air between his hands begins to warp and twist, dancing with brilliant multicoloured light as he bores a hole through the fabric of the planes.

Faintly buzzing, you say to Naralis, "B-be well!"

A swirling gateway of brilliant light pierces the air before Naralis, boring a hole through the very fabric of the planes. Naralis ascends confidently through the rotating gate, which shimmers and snaps shut behind him.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Aschwar suddenly again, their antennae bobbing and mandibles clicking.

Caressing your ear, the voice of Naralis whispers, "And you, Beloved Gurashi."

Aschwar exhales softly, their tension visibly relaxing as the costume is no longer in their presence. "That was really gross."

Buzzing softly to Aschwar, you whisper, "...are O-K?"

Aschwar suddenly blinks and then looks up, tilting their head curiously, "Uh...where is Bizi? Made lots of food for her, but do not see her anywheres?"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "... oh! I will call her."

Aschwar frowns lightly, asking, "How come she didn't come with you? I thought she was always running with you."

You reach out through your bond with Bizirik, the leothin and summon her from the stables. You sense her answering your call.

You have emoted: Gurashi stares off at nothing for a moment, their antennae bobbing. Slowly, their gaze returns to Aschwar, and they wring their smaller hands together. "...ah. Just." A pause. "Muchly things happening around me, lately, and so she has been stressed, so. Let her be lazy."

Fidgeting, you say, "Bizis need breaks too."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "She is coming! I just told her you had food and she is -excited-, yes."

Bizirik, the leothin trots in with head high, butting you gently with her head.

Bizirik, the leothin gives a short gasp of elation.

Bizirik, the leothin lets out an impossible-to-mistake yowl of delight, slinking into the room. It takes time to immediately greet Gurashi, then whips around to nose at Aschwar, chattering up at the tae'dae, tail slapping the ground.

Aschwar beams and points towards the spread of cakes and fish set out on the floor, the reed mat beneath it stretching out like carpet, "It is all yours, Bizi!"

Bizirik, the leothin then notices the table.

Bizirik, the leothin's jaw falls open.

Aschwar looks back towards the table, and softly says, "Now. I am very, very sorry Friend Gurashi. I was...very mean and not nice, and pulled away from all the Beloveds and was not talking to you, because I was madly."

As they look down at the eclair in their paws, Aschwar says, "But...I know that you are probably going through some real tough times right now, and you are my bestest friend. So it probably felt real bad for you to not be able to talk to me, and you probably though I was real mad at you, and I am sorry. Because I did not want to make you feel badly.""

Bizirik, the leothin proceeds to pull away from Aschwar, and begins the long process of removing any evidence of there ever having been food upon the dining room table.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

You think to yourself: *the swirling colors still...*.

Their voice soft, you say to Aschwar, ".... y..."

You have emoted: Gurashi opens their beak, then promptly shuts it, bunching their shoulders. "No, you are allowed to be madly."

Looking down quickly, you say to Aschwar, "Because you have to feel way that do because of someone else's mistakes - me-mistakes."

Looking up again, you exclaim to Aschwar, "I would be a very bad friend if I got mad at you for being mad at me! S-so, please be mad at me!"

You flail about helplessly.

Aschwar sighs and quietly says, "I know. But you are still my friend, and friends should not stay mad at each other. They should be forgiving, and say sorry for being mads, and do nice things to help each other when they feel badly." They gesture towards the teas in various non-teapots -- you are certain that is a repurposed flowering can -- and sweets on the table, saying, "Like have snacks."

You have emoted: Gurashi's gaze follows the tae'dae's paw, staring at the remaining snacks on the table, which the leothin is making quick work of.

Aschwar suddenly realises Bizirik has moved to the table and gasps loudly, saying, "Bizi! Those are Friend Gurashi's treats! You had your own pile, bigger than both of ours!"

Bizirik, the leothin gives a horrified gasp.

Bizirik, the leothin stops promptly, allowing its tongue to loll out and return most of the cookie it had just stolen back to its plate. It lets out an apologetic little grumble and disappears again back to its own pile of snacks, tail thumping the ground.

You have emoted: Gurashi's antennae sag, then sat further, until they are nearly flat, their miserable gaze settling on the tart they plucked before.

Aschwar wags a claw disapprovingly at Bizirik before flinging the eclair in their paws on top of the pile, smiling faintly. "See? You can be mad, but you still do nice things. Because people are your friends."

You stare ahead, looking utterly wounded.

You think to yourself: ... "can be mad, but you still do nice things" ...

Aschwar reaches out and gently places a paw on top of your hand, saying softly, "So I am sorry if I scared you, or made you feel badly. And am hoping that you will be forgiving me. Because..." They exhale and gently say, "I have forgivens you."

Bizirik, the leothin snatches the dessert out of the air, then disappears again to the horrible depths of the under-table. Gurashi's gaze drifts down to their lap. "...but..." They open and shut their beak again, hesitating. "...h...aven't even apologized, yet. Or, if did - do... not remember so, that does not count." They look up at Aschwar, looking like they might cry were they able. "I am sorry - love you muchly."

Shadows swirl around your arm as the Fingerblade of dha'Wyrden-cree digs itself more painfully into your finger.

Aschwar smiles and quietly says, "You know. I cannot hear things no more, but even still. I can feel things now," they say, pointing to their chest. "And I...felt you feeling very badly. And you were not very nice to yourself, and you felt like you were saying sorry so many times and trying to do better." They give a bright smile, revealing their terrifying teeth in as non-ferocious a manner as they can, kindly offering, "So I am glad you did say it, but I knew. Because I am your bestest friend."

You stare at Aschwar, eyes wide.

You think to yourself: *a feeling like a vice - fearful and concerned, still aching and raw - oh -no- can -feelies-?*.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at their own chest, looking somewhere between fascinated and mortified.

You look at Aschwar, expression filled with concern as you frown.

Aschwar says, "The Shofets started showing me how to do it, during my trainings. It is much harder."

Faintly buzzing, you say to Aschwar, "... d....."

You clear your throat.

Voice wavering, you ask, "Can... turn on and off? Or - you feel ... all of the time?"

Aschwar says, "Bigly emotions, mostly. But can...stop feeling, if it is feeling too silly, or too special, or too scary."

You have emoted: Gurashi wrings their smaller hands together, watching the tae'dae in concern. At this, they look somewhat relieved, deflating in their chair. "Oh." Their left antennae twitches sympathetically. "That is good."

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Aschwar says, "I know you have been feeling...real badly, and know that you probably do not want to talk lots about it. But I hope you know that all the Beloveds love you, very much."

You have emoted: Gurashi awkwardly continues to wring their smaller hands together, bunching their shoulders. "...sorry. Am." They pause. "Brains s--".

You think to yourself: ...... *tightening - silvery skeins - guilty* ....

Weakly, you say, "Am worried Beloved Tonatiuh talked to Lady of Roses already."

Faintly buzzing, you say, "C...ause I told everyone, and."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at the table. Bizirik's head appears suddenly opposite both the seated tae'dae and kephera, ear tufts raised curiously. "...but, I did not get eaten by spiders, or crows. Everybody just. Was. Mad. Or, crying." Their mandibles click. "I expected.... much... -more-."

Aschwar nods their head slowly, listening as they bring a large stone mug full of orange-looking tea to their mouth.

You have emoted: Gurashi's voice betrays their otherwise calm demeanor, thin and strained. "...uhm. Have to leave, Glomdoring. Because I am not, allowed to do boths. But. I knew that. But," They pick at the edge of the table, left antennae twitching again.

Closing their hands into fists, you say, "I have not, yet, because, I think they think I do not love them, and I do not want them to think that."

Aschwar frowns at that, lowering their mug of tea and quietly commenting, "It is scary. Because it is your home, and you love your friends very muchly."

Cheliyi tells you, "**dull brown interspersed with curious motes of pale green** You are awake? I hope you are well."

Your melodic voice sings into Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi's mind, "*a gentle ripple of blue and gray* ... hi hi, Miss Cheliyi ... *a prick of concern* You are O-K to-day...?"

Bizirik, the leothin's astonishingly sympathetic gaze rests on their kepheran companion, just long enough to distract from their smaller forelimbs slipping up to snatch another dessert before it disappears again below. "...have done so -much- for me - the peoples. My friends my -family-." Gurashi folds their arms over their chest, sagging in their seat. "How can leave without hurting all of the peoples that made me?"

"You can not," Aschwar says simply, picking up a small kiwi and turning it in their paws before reaching up and chomping into its tender skin. "But...it is not like leaving forevers. You are not going to a whole nother world. You might go and live with Friend Tridemon, or maybe even with Missus Friend Shulamit, or even here in the Shifting City! You will still be able to see them all, and love them all, but...you will not be living with them."

You sniffle softly.

Cheliyi tells you, "**green and brown mixed in a brighter swirl** I am... alright. I am glad to hear you are okay."

You nod your head emphatically.

Their voice sympathetic, Aschwar says, "I know it does not make it any easier, though. Thinking of leaving your home."

Quietly, you say, "They will disown me when leave ... dad, and, family, because, you cannot be both. And."

Cheliyi tells you, "**a hint of purple** I... didn't see you, when I returned that day. And then for a whole month... I was simply a little worried. **motes of yellow** But you are alright! And that is okay."

Quieter still, you say, "I do not think Xenthos wants to see me, anymore. Because, I broke Oath," They look at the table, huffing, "and Nothing Matters but Glomdoring."

You shake your head.

You shake your head.

You have emoted: Gurashi heaves a great sigh, suddenly covering their face. "But."

Their voice firm, Aschwar says, "Friend Tsakali says that if your family is not nicely to you, and do not care about you? It means they are not being good peoples, and not being good families. Like my mum was to me. Your Mister Dad Xenthos is being very mean, and not nice."

Soft and hurriedly, you say, "He -isn't- mean - he is..."

You think to yourself: .... hurting .....

Voice muffled by their hands, you say, "I want .... to grow, in... peace, and love. Like, Miss... Sebitti said."

Nodding their head, Aschwar says, "You may have broke rules made by the forest, but I broke rules made by the Emperor. Does that mean you did the wrong thing, or that I did? It is not for anyone but a Shofets to be able to say. You can only do what feels most goodly and right to you."

You sniffle softly.

Your melodic voice sings into Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi's mind, "... *a swirl of muted pastels* ... yes ... well. Is. Muchly to process. I am still here, for now, because, I... did it wrongly before."

Aschwar chomps down upon the last of the kiwi, sagely finishing, "We are just too small brains to be able to understand. Like how can only understand a few paradigms, but the Shofet can understand them all."

You have emoted: Gurashi nods, face still covered by their hands. "Mm... the Glomdoring... cares very muchly about the Glomdoring, but, I want to care about MORE than Glomdoring, because, I have friends - so many, MANY friends, from -everywhere-." Their hands finally drop, eyes shiny. "And I do not like that loving one means loving another less? That... is that now it works?? That does not feel like how it should work..."

You fidget impatiently.

Cheliyi tells you, "**a sudden flash of pale orange** No! You did nothing wrong. People just would not listen, because they were rude. **the orange extinguished by a wash of blue** ... I am sorry I did not speak up as much as I should have. I will do better next time. They would not let you speak."

Aschwar gently pushes some calming green tea towards you, saying, "You should take a drink. You are having big sad feelings." They then take a drink of their own tea, before affirming, "You are right, though. That is not how it works for people like us. But...places like the Gloms during and people like the Emperor. They think their love is the only way of love, and that if it is not that way, it is not right. And you may not have a worm around your heart, but there is a worm around your heart."

Your melodic voice sings into Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi's mind, "No."

Your melodic voice sings into Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi's mind, "*reassuring and firm and buzzing* It is O-K. You did goodly, yes. You are not responsible for stopping angry mob, no you are not."

You have emoted: Gurashi inhales deeply, then lets out a short, whistling exhale, their gaze settling on Aschwar as they shakily grab a cup from the table. "...a worm?"

Cheliyi tells you, "**purple and blue swirling like a whirlpool** But... I made it my tah'vrai. I made a promise to grow strong and protect my friends. And you are my friend."

Your melodic voice sings into Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi's mind, "..... *quiet - a lull of periwinkle* ....Mm. You are my friend too.... *a ripple of guilt* I am sorry for what Lady of Roses did. Are you O-K."

Aschwar nods their head and unbuttons the top of their coat before pulling their tunic down and to the side, revealing the patchwork scales and feathers that are at odds with their black-and-gold fur, directly over where their heart should be. "For me, it is a real worm. From the Emperor, because I was his favourite." They slowly fix their clothes once more, and then point towards your chest, and gently say, "For you, it is a not-real worm. But there is something wrapped around your heart, squeezing and hurting and feeling very badly if you do not do what the person who put it there wants you to do."

Cheliyi tells you, "**red suddenly spills into the whirl of colors, like blood in water before everything abruptly goes brown** ... Yes. She did not hurt me terribly. Just touched my face and tried to crush my bones. I think others have suffered worse."

You have emoted: Gurashi's eyes widen as they gaze upon the tae'dae's chest, leaning forward to look closely while chittering softly. After a time they lean back, looking back up at Aschwar's face, reaching up to touch their own chest thoughtfully, scratching at the damaged carapace.

You have emoted: Gurashi suddenly twitches, looking at the table.

Your melodic voice sings into Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi's mind, "*a wave of emotion, confusion and anger* ... crush your ... bones??"

You think to yourself: Not nice.

Aschwar keeps sipping at their tea until they finish it, reaching out to grab a nearby lamp that has been repurposed into a temporary teapot, pouring the liquid into their mug and taking another drink.

You have emoted: Gurashi reaches up, rubbing at their face and shaking their head. "...a worm..." They look down at their chest again. "...do... you still .... feel connection to Emperor's, then...?" They ask finally, hesitantly.

Cheliyi tells you, "**brown paling into old charcoal** Well, She did not actually crush me. Just intimidated me, I think. **suddenly, much more muted** and She burned me. But it did not hurt, not really. It was just very scary."

Aschwar shakes their head, and quietly say, "I left. And I went to so many new worlds, and saw new things. Eventually, after a while, the worm stopped squeezing. But its teeth are still there, and I will never be able to be away from it. Because I cannot take it out, and the Shofets can't neither." They look down at the sweets and pick up another eclair, tossing it over the side of the table before continuing, "So I will always remember. And it may bring some bad memories sometimes, but it cannot hurt me no more, because I did what was right for me."

Cheliyi tells you, "What is really the most upsetting is that my siblings won't speak to me. They said that they won't until She accepts my apology... which may be a while. So... for now, I am okay. Tired, but okay."

Your melodic voice sings into Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi's mind, ".... *another wash of feeling - an ache of guilt* ...what do mean? Burned - was why were touching things weirdly??"

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a short yelp of delight.

Softly, you ask, "... you can still live lifes happy even... though have worms?"

You cough softly.

Correcting, you say, "...a whole worm."

Cheliyi tells you, "**a hint of pale blue seeping into the gray** Please do not feel guilty. You did not hurt me. And... yes? It was just on my cheek. It's okay! Your song made me feel a lot better."

"If I am only thinking about my worm," Aschwar says simply, their voice full of warmth and kindness, "Then I will not be living my life. I will still be a slave. It is only because I am living my life and not worrying about it that I am able to be free."

You stare at Aschwar, eyes wide.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out another quiet, whistling exhale, looking down into their cup sadly.

Your melodic voice sings into Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi's mind, "... *acknowledgement and affirmation - a thrum, pale blue* ..."

Aschwar gently pokes at your shoulder plating with a claw, their mug on the table as they look at you. "You are feeling badly again, aren't you?"

You think to yourself: *an ache, pushing up on their lungs and heart - a rushed, painted flurry of recollection of Tiso, to Portal, to Glomdoring - one Hive, to another - always in service, service-- **.

You have emoted: Gurashi lets out a little sound as they are poked, gasping. "Oh!"

Faintly buzzing, you say, "S-sorry, I."

With an infinite amount of wisdom behind their voice, Aschwar says, "Eat a cake. You will feel better."

Your melodic voice sings into Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi's mind, "I will play more songs soonly, yes."

Cheliyi tells you, "**color slowly seeping in, soft green and yellow growing over the grey** Oh! I will be happy to hear them. You must be busy right now, if you are awake, though. You are always busy. **motes of bright yellow** I will leave you be."

You have emoted: Gurashi fumbles with their drink. "Right, right." They reach out, stiffly taking another tart from the table and biting it in half with their beak. "Oh." They stop, looking down. "This is not cake. Wait." They thrum, confusedly looking back at the table.

Your melodic voice sings into Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi's mind, "*suddenly piercing through the yellow - violet* Wait wait. You are waking long?"

Cheliyi tells you, "... Not this month, no. I will be back at the end, but... **apologetic shades of blue** I am very tired."

Your melodic voice sings into Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi's mind, "*gentle affirmation*."

Aschwar offers a light laugh, watching the fumble with no small amount of amusement. "You are being very scared about things, Friend Gurashi. But you must know that being scared of something only makes it scarier. Remember what the Shofets says, after all. You will be okay, or you will not. If those are the only two things that can happen, then you do not have to worry so much."

You look at Aschwar, expression filled with concern as you frown.

Cheliyi tells you, "**a sunny yellow shining on the green, a surprising burst of love** I will be going. I am here for you."

Thinly, you say to Aschwar, "Ahhhm sorry."

You twitch your mandibles as you voice a soft, curious chirr.

You have emoted: Gurashi finally manages to procure a slice of cake, sitting with the plate held in their smaller hands, dazed.

Your melodic voice sings into Devotee of the Tah'vrai, Cheliyi's mind, "*gentler assent*."

Aschwar frowns as they watch you with some growing concern. "Why? You do not need to be sorry for being scared, or for me giving you help. It is okay."

Staring back, you say to Aschwar, "... mean am scared of many many things, but right now - need to talk... about Akuuko ...." They look down at their cake, drawing in the air with the fork, "but, won't - if you are not ... Ready. I do not... have much to say. Just. What the Lady said."

You think to yourself: ... have to sometime....

You think to yourself: ... *tired*.

Aschwar's claws gleam for a moment in the light, deadly and predatory, but it is only for a moment as they relax their shoulders and exhale. "He will come home, and see me again, or he will not. I will be sad if he does not, and happy if he does. That is all. But maybe if he does not, he will meet all new peoples, and all new friends, and have all new adventures! I like him very muchly, and I want for good things to happen to him. So there is no point in making myself feel badly about what he will do."

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

Suddenly, soft, you say, "... O-K - m-many apologies ..."

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down again into their cup.

You think to yourself: *tender - too tender - not now*.

You think to yourself: ... a rescue ...

You think to yourself: Will not share the -bad feelies- - no.

Aschwar shakes their head, and says, "You do not need to give apologies. You did not make him do anything, Friend Gurashi. It is...it is why I like Friend Akuuko. He does only what he wants, and nothing else."

You have emoted: Gurashi gazes at Aschwar sadly, nodding once as they finally lift their tea to take a sip. "Yes." They pause as they look at the table, where Bizirik's head has reappeared.

A flurry of poppy blossoms swirls around Aschwar's head for a moment, drawing their attention.

Aschwar exhales softly and says, "Well. I think that is all that I can do for this engagement. Shofets says is time to do my training now."

Bizirik, the leothin stares between Aschwar and Gurashi, snout slick with oil and who knows what else. It snorts softly.

Quietly, you say, "O-K."

Watching tiredly, you ask, "... you are ... O-K?"

You have emoted: Gurashi stares at the tae'dae, intent and concerned.

Aschwar stands up and walks behind your chair before leaning down and gently embracing you in a firm, fluffy hug. "I am very goodly. I promise. But if you are sad, you can always take a big nap in my room, and feel lots better. You look like you need a lot of sleep." They allow the hug to last for several long moments before you feel their presence fade and realise there is a cloud of golden sand dissipating into the aether around you.

You fold your arms across your chest, looking unsure.

You tilt your head, gaze softening as you frown.

A mahogany dining room with succulent-topped tea tables.
A slender leothin sits here motionless, brightening its surroundings with its natural golden bio-luminescence.
You see a single exit leading south.
Bizirik's head begins to droop. It opens its great maw and curls back its lips to allow its forked tongue to unfurl as it yawns before snapping its mouth shut.

You have emoted: Gurashi finds their arms wrapped around themselves before they realize it, looking down at the last of the golden sands as they fade away.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks towards Bizirik, who burps softly, tail thumping against the ground.

You have emoted: Gurashi smiles weakly.

You have emoted: Rising slowly from their seat, Gurashi gazes south, brushing themselves off. "Come on, Bizi," They whisper, beckoning the leothin to follow. As soon as the creature reveals itself its distended belly is fully visible. It looks disgustingly pleased, moving very slowly.

Hesitantly, you say, "...mmmaybe should sleep by windows."

Bizirik, the leothin lets out a massive belch into the air.

Your eyes raise to the heavens as a look of hope flashes across your face.

A perfectly peaceful bedroom.
A far, meeker cry from the rest of the house, only the rich paneling of the walls and floors could hint at any opulence within this domed room. A simple reed mat covers the majority of the floor, cut awkwardly to accomodate the hatch leading to the stairs and the rest of the house, the woven plants lined with rabbit moss that cushions the foot and is pleasant to the touch. Enormous pillows and cushions have been piled along the rest of the floor in a large circle that rings the room, thrown this way and that in an effort to create the most cozy place to sleep. Very few personal belongings can be seen in the shelves on the walls; an enormous scarf and apron folded and wrapped around three carved birds and a seashell-adorned sunhat, sat next to two books whose titles proclaim them to be 'A Manual to Counting: Numbers One Through Ten' and 'How to Read'. The domed roof above lacks the stained glass prominent throughout the rest of the building, its simple stone make readily distributing the heat absorbed through the day and causing the painted stars upon its surface to shimmer and shine with a realistic glow. A painting of A Bear's Slide is proudly exhibited on a nearby wall. Towering high overhead, a standard depicting a tae'dae tending to a poppy stands here. Golden lattice beads imbued with the faint heat of fire essence have been laid out as an offering, the harsh and raw scent of eucalyptus incense wafting from within. Cover closed haphazardly, this lettering notebook lays carelessly discarded. Twisting skeins of dreameater silk slowly about its tubular body, a lethargic, many-spined moth caterpillar spins here.
You see a single exit leading down.

You nod your head emphatically.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks around the bedroom, inhaling deeply, letting their gaze drift about the familiar scene, taking in all the changes, big and small.

You let loose a long breath from your lungs, exhaling slowly.

You have emoted: Scuttling silently, Gurashi makes their way over to the pile of pillows and lets themselves settle in to the farthest edge, staring up at the ceiling as they fold their hands over their chest. Bizirik opts to settle near the furthest window, grumbling.

You think to yourself: ... have been doing so man trainings ...

You think to yourself: .. many, many trainings indeed ...

You have emoted: Gurashi's eyes close as they drape an arm across their head, antennae twitching.

Bizirik's head begins to droop. It opens its great maw and curls back its lips to allow its forked tongue to unfurl as it yawns before snapping its mouth shut.

The pleasant scent of honey lingers on the pillows around you, drawing away your worries and stress as your body slowly sinks into the comfortable blobs of fabric and feather.

You think to yourself: ... *a ripple of gold - tired* ...

You think to yourself: ........ heckity ......

You have emoted: Gurashi exhales, leaving their arm draped across their head, letting themselves nod off. Nearby Bizirik quietly grooms itself, snuffling happily.